Below is the step by step process of how to successfully complete this task. Please follow this carefully and if you have any questions do not hesitate to ask the teacher.
Step 1:
Revise the previous lesson on Pluto & The Planets. Take note of the key characteristics of Pluto, the process of redefining the word 'Planet' and how the new definition describes a planet.
Step 2:
Draft out the statistics of your planet. E.g. Give your planet a name, a size etc. Think about its position in our solar system and consider how it orbits. Be creative! We don't want to see just another Earth or Mars.
Step 3:
Use that creativity and your statistical information to go ahead and create your very own planet page. Remember to design what your planet will look like by using the template found at the bottom of this page. Use the orbit image to place your planet amongst the solar system and draw out its orbit.
Note: If you have trouble accessing or editing your images, please contact Mr Elliott or Mr Sullivan regarding this immediately.
Step 4:
Now its time to see what planets your class mates have created. Please collect all information from three (3) students regarding their planets statistics and type up the comparisons of their planet and yours onto your wiki page. E.g. size difference, is it a planet or not?, will your planet collide with your class mates at some point?
Statistical information for you planet must include:
Name of planet
Mass
Size
Shape
Does your planet have any moons? (Remember Pluto has a binary moon)
Position in our galaxy / Proximity to other planets
Orbit in our galaxy
Temperature (Compare with neighbouring planets)
Note: When determining the different measurements (Size, Mass, Distance from the Sun, etc.) students are encouraged to design their own measurements. Not copy the measurements of other planets. The 'Planet Dendron' example should only be used as a guide for the assignment.
After completing your statistical information, determine whether:
Your planet is a planet, and how you are going to do this is by creating a comparison table
Your Comparison table will have one column for your planet and one column for the IAU's definition of a planet.
The characteristics of a planet stated by the IAU must be compared with the characteristics on YOUR planet.
Any questions regarding this part of topic please ask your teacher.
Planet Template:
Right Click and select 'Save Picture As' to save the template to your computer. Then design your planet and its features
Orbit Template:
Right Click and select 'Save Picture As' to save the template to your computer. Using Microsoft Paint, draw where your planet's orbit would go.
Marking Guide: Total Assessment – 40 marks Statistical Section: 30 marks
- Name of planet (2 marks)
- Picture of Planet (4 marks)
- Mass (4 marks)
- Size (4 marks)
- Shape (2 marks)
- Does your planet have any moons? (2 marks)
- Position in our galaxy / Proximity to other planets (4 marks)
- Orbit in our galaxy (4 marks)
- Temperature (4 marks)
Students’ responses should go into greater detail than just providing statistical data. Marks will be awarded for not only statistical information but also the explanation that is provided with it.
Comparison Section: (10 marks)
- Is your planet a planet? (2 mark)
- Comparison Table – Your Planet vs. IAU’s definition of a planet (4 Marks)
- Students Planet Comparison (4 marks)
The Process
Below is the step by step process of how to successfully complete this task. Please follow this carefully and if you have any questions do not hesitate to ask the teacher.
Revise the previous lesson on Pluto & The Planets. Take note of the key characteristics of Pluto, the process of redefining the word 'Planet' and how the new definition describes a planet.
Draft out the statistics of your planet. E.g. Give your planet a name, a size etc. Think about its position in our solar system and consider how it orbits. Be creative! We don't want to see just another Earth or Mars.
Use that creativity and your statistical information to go ahead and create your very own planet page. Remember to design what your planet will look like by using the template found at the bottom of this page. Use the orbit image to place your planet amongst the solar system and draw out its orbit.
Note: If you have trouble accessing or editing your images, please contact Mr Elliott or Mr Sullivan regarding this immediately.
Now its time to see what planets your class mates have created. Please collect all information from three (3) students regarding their planets statistics and type up the comparisons of their planet and yours onto your wiki page. E.g. size difference, is it a planet or not?, will your planet collide with your class mates at some point?
Statistical information for you planet must include:
Note: When determining the different measurements (Size, Mass, Distance from the Sun, etc.) students are encouraged to design their own measurements. Not copy the measurements of other planets. The 'Planet Dendron' example should only be used as a guide for the assignment.
After completing your statistical information, determine whether:
Planet Template:
Right Click and select 'Save Picture As' to save the template to your computer. Then design your planet and its features
Orbit Template:
Right Click and select 'Save Picture As' to save the template to your computer. Using Microsoft Paint, draw where your planet's orbit would go.
Marking Guide: Total Assessment – 40 marks
Statistical Section: 30 marks
- Name of planet (2 marks)
- Picture of Planet (4 marks)
- Mass (4 marks)
- Size (4 marks)
- Shape (2 marks)
- Does your planet have any moons? (2 marks)
- Position in our galaxy / Proximity to other planets (4 marks)
- Orbit in our galaxy (4 marks)
- Temperature (4 marks)
Students’ responses should go into greater detail than just providing statistical data. Marks will be awarded for not only statistical information but also the explanation that is provided with it.
Comparison Section: (10 marks)
- Is your planet a planet? (2 mark)
- Comparison Table – Your Planet vs. IAU’s definition of a planet (4 Marks)
- Students Planet Comparison (4 marks)